Bears list Tillman as questionable against Lions

Cornerback faces tall task ahead opposite WR Johnson

September 27, 2013|By Dan Wiederer, Tribune reporter

On Wednesday, during a conference call with Detroit reporters, cornerback Charles Tillman all but promised he'd be in the lineup Sunday at Ford Field as the Bears push to complete a perfect September with a win over the Lions.

On Friday, coach Marc Trestman stamped his top defensive back "questionable," a designation that puts Tillman closer to 50-50 as he works through injuries to his right knee and groin.

After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, Tillman was back on the field Friday morning at Halas Hall. During the portion of practice open to the media, he seemed to move around with no noticeable difficulty.

But going through position drills and enduring a full-speed, full-game battle against All-Pro Lions receiver Calvin Johnson are two different things altogether.

Tillman didn't want to speak to reporters after Friday's practice, offering only a two-word summary on his health: "I'm good," he said.

Still, the Bears might not know until right before kickoff or even during the game just how strong and mobile the 11th-year cornerback feels and whether he can handle his full workload against Johnson.

In two games against the Lions last season, Tillman helped limit Johnson to a total of eight catches and 106 yards.

Trestman said he's "reasonably optimistic" Tillman will play Sunday but won't be delivering the final call on the matter.

"If the doctors and the trainers say he's ready to go, then he's ready to go," Trestman said. "I won't be making this decision. It will be made by the doctors and trainers with Charles' best interests at heart."